Short Introduction to the Program:
NCBL organised a day-long symposium
on “Landmine and its Impacts” at Besishahar of Lamjung
on 25 August 2005. The program was participated in by the representatives
of various political parties, human rights organisations, government
and non-government organisations and Chief District Officer and chief
of surety agencies including other people. Tilak Bahadur Suyal, the
victim of Madi incident in Chitwan district, was the chief guest of
the program. The program was chaired by Subash Paudel, facilitator
of NCBL, Lamjung branch who also briefed about the program at the
beginning. Krishna Prasad Adhikari, a journalist, emceed the program.
Mine Problem in the District:
This program is very important
given the present circumstance. Nepal known as the birthplace of Buddha,
has been hurt by the violent conflict. Innocent children and common
people have fallen victims to the conflict. Both parties to the conflict
have been using such weapons. Everyone is in danger every time. Both
the state and the rebels have terrorised the people. This must be
stopped.
Many incidents have taken place
in Lamjung district. Fourteen persons were killed in mine explosion
in Udipur. Lamjung is one of the conflicted affected districts. People
of this district are not well aware of the risks of landmines. Many
people have been killed and an equal number of people have been maimed
and injured in mine explosions in this district. It has also damaged
physical infrastructure. The war has been protracted in Nepal. Such
an indirect fighting must not victimise people and render them stressed.
Farmers have fallen victims to landmine while ploughing their land.
Passengers have been maimed.
Both parties are using mines
in the name of their self defence. But it has victimises the innocent
people. The rebels are found using more landmines than the security
forces. Landmines are basically home made and manufactured. While
manufactured mines are used in certain places, home made ones can
be used by anybody else. The parties to conflict have been using landmines
in unnecessary places. What’s the advantage of victimising innocent
people? Why should they plant mines form where common people have
to pass by. It has already caused unnecessary damage.
“I have suffered a lot
from landmine. Many people were killed in the Madi incident. I am
lucky to be spared. I wish other Nepalese not suffer as I did,”
says Tilak Bahadur Suyal, a victim of Madi incident.
Response to MRE:
The general public’s
response towards this program is that it is very contextual and useful
in the current situation. We believe that this program will help a
lot to avoid mine-related accidents.
I would like to thank NCBL for providing this opportunity to us to
organise such a program in this district. I am also thankful to all
the students, teachers and the general public who helped in making
this program a success. This program has been completed in the schools
of rural areas despite the unfavourable political circumstance of
the nation.
The program has been concluded
in an effective way. We feel that the program was carried out as per
its objective. It has left very positive impression on the target
groups. The program was held even in the remotest schools of the district.
This has encouraged other organisations and programs confined to the
district headquarters that programs can be held in villages and they
are accessible. All were interested in the program as it was very
useful and contextual. I wish this program be expanded in the coming
days. All Nepalese are aspiring for peace. So this program should
reach the villages. It is felt that this program has sensitised all.
Suggestions on Future Programs:
Had the rebels been informed of this
program it would have been more useful. I request the organiser to
launch this program in the villages. This program should be held at
least once a moth in every school. All have to make efforts to stop
the use of landmine. The program should also reach the landmine users.
Use of such objects must be stopped. It is highly imperative to educate
the illiterate sections of the society on it. The media should also
help in this process. Aware people should share their knowledge. It
has already caused unnecessary damage. Pressure should be exerted
for stopping its use in public places.
Suggestions on School Program: